Kish will reserve 25 spots for our students. The deadline to register is 29 January 2017, or until spots are full.

Note: Deep Freeze registration plans have not been made at this time.

8th Grade Confirmation: Coming Soon.

As our junior high students approach 8th grade, we seek to develop spiritual maturity, a desire for ministry, and an opportunity for church membership. Confirmation is designed to guide students into each of these aims.

High School: Starts Sunday August 28th. Group will meet most Sundays from 6-7:45p.

Jr. High: Starts August 31st. Group will meet most Wednesdays from 5:30-7:15p.

The Fall Ministry calendar will be mailed later this month.

Our Group ministry is open to all 6th-12th grade students: First-timers, regulars, and everyone in between. It’s a great way for your child to keep growing, long after Great Escape or WorkCamp is done.

High School Small Group: Starting Soon.

SVHS Students: We’re leading a small group at school, in Mr. Mullikin’s classroom, this Fall. Our aim: To read scripture during the week, meet together each week, and share what we learned. Details:

Over the last ten years, some of the most life-changing moments in our youth ministry have occurred at camp. Each student gets to ‘try on’ these traits that make for a rich, fulfilling life–service, fellowship, discipleship–and draw them closer to Jesus in doing so. We believe in camp ministry…and I’m grateful you do as well.

With that said, I’m pleased to share with you some at-a-glance information on our 2017 camp ministries!

Kish will reserve 25 spots for our students. The deadline to register is 29 January 2017, or until spots are full.

Note: Deep Freeze registration plans have not been made at this time.

In the absence of a Youth Director, Kish will be forming a Youth Council to ensure all ministries and supporting programs (e.g. Fundraisers) continue to occur. We are still working on finding leaders for the Council. In the meantime, here are three things you can do to help us get the ball rolling:

Save the date! Summer 2017 plans are already being set. We’d love to make sure camp is on your calendar.

Student Interested? If you anticipate your child attending one of our 2017 camp ministries: Please message back. No obligation, but it helps us forecast our transportation plans and chaperone needs.

Parent Interested in Chaperoning? From rookies to veterans, our chaperones are the most critical element of our camp ministry. If you are interested in serving, please message back.

WorkCamp is almost here! Updates and reminders before we leave Sunday:

1: Need the Packing List or other documents? Visit the WorkCamp page of our website. Please pack according the Packing List: Nothing more, nothing less. If in doubt as to what you should bring, call me. Space is limited; thanks for complying!

2: Additional Items to pack:

-Hat. We’ll all be working at Loaves & Fishes (Soup Kitchen), so students need something to cover their hair. If not, we’re putting a hair net on ‘em!

-Pants. Some sites have work that requires pants; no shorts allowed. We’re not sure which groups will have that work assigned, so have your child pack 1-2 pairs of work pants (jeans, joggers, etc.)

-Swimsuit, shower shoes. We may be swimming. And students can use them in the shower as well.

-Note: No Church service this week, so students don’t need to bring Church clothes.

3: This Sunday:

-Students are to arrive by 8a. They will find their name on the side of their van, and load their gear in.

-Breakfast at 8:15 for your whole family! Please RSVP if you haven’t already.

-Stay for Worship! 9a-10:15a.

-If you can’t make it for breakfast/worship? Arrive by 10:15a at latest.

4: Students will have to pay for two meals, plus money for a couple evening activities (est. $10 total)

5: Additional information from my phone call with the WorkCamp Site Director is attached. Please read; it includes additional information about work projects, housing, etc.

Your kids are awesome. Can’t wait to pour into them as they pour into others next week.

-Bootcamp: God has given us a team. God has given us a place. Week 4 of Bootcamp is all about the ministry God has given us. We’re more than just hard workers; we’re ministers who strive to be like Jesus in every project we serve in! Join us: 6-7:15 this Wednesday. Snacks graciously provided!

-Team & Family Breakfast: July 24th. Check this out: The Deacons are graciously offering breakfast to all WorkCamp students and their families on the day we leave! Arrive at 8a, load up your van, and join us for breakfast until 8:45. All families are invited to stay for our 9a worship service as well! Message back if you and/or your child would to attend.

-WorkCamp Theme: Grow with us! Our theme this year is First Love. From Devos to Club, students will discover how God’s selfless love shapes both our identity (who we are) and our activity (what we do). Parents: You can follow along with us and grow as we grow! Check out the attached list of Scripture and questions to meditate on this week. Please consider incorporating it into your devotions!

-T-Shirts: Just a few more shirts left to pick up! $17 if you haven’t paid already.

Youthworks Missions Dinner: Join us!

Wednesday August 3rd, 6:00p: Hear firsthand how God worked through our students at the Youthworks Missions Dinner! Our students will be your Table Leaders, sharing all about their trip experience through songs, testimonies, and pictures. And our Deacons will be preparing burgers and chicken on the grill! The Missions Dinner is for everyone who supported our students: Church members, family, friends, and more.

Space is limited, so message back with the number of guests attending and what meal you’d prefer (grilled chicken, burger).

Sponsorship Opportunity - Compassion International

For many years, our Junior High students have supported Shewanda Sanon, a student from Haiti, through the Compassion sponsorship program. With my departure in August, it is fitting for us to transfer that sponsorship to one of our Kish families until a new Youth Director is in place. Would you be interested?

Our own students have chipped in $28/month, which has assisted Shewanda with her education, food & shelter, and much more. We have seen her through 7th grade, and it would be nice for Kish to keep taking of her as she grows up! Message back for more information.

We made it up to camp around 4p yesterday, and haven’t looked back. Our first SUMMIT last night included worship, a great message from Eric Alexander, and more. On the Beach, our morning worship session, begins in just a moment. Please be praying for:

-Students to encounter God and make a commitment to follow him!

-All students to be welcomed and accepted within our group. Progress moves at the speed of trust. The more our students can trust each other, the deeper we can go this week!

WORKCAMP: Important Items

-EXTRA SPOT: We still are able to pick up some spots at a discounted rate! If your child knows of someone who can join us: We’d love to have them. Message back for more info.

-Bootcamp, off this week: Check this out: We’ll have 61 of us–students, workcrew, and chaperones–at Great Escape this week! BootCamp is off this week. We’ll wrap our mission trip prep series next Wednesday, July 20th.

-Team & Family Breakfast: July 24th

Check this out: The Deacons are graciously offering breakfast to all WorkCamp students and their families on the day we leave! Arrive at 8a, load up your van, and join us for breakfast until 8:45. All families are invited to stay for our 9a worship service as well! Message back if you and/or your child would to attend.

-T-Shirts: Shirts are $17; please pay at Bootcamp this week.

Youthworks Missions Dinner: Join us!

Wednesday August 3rd, 6:00p: Hear firsthand how God worked through our students at the Youthworks Missions Dinner! Our students will be your Table Leaders, sharing all about their trip experience through songs, testimonies, and pictures. And our Deacons will be preparing burgers and chicken on the grill! The Missions Dinner is for everyone who supported our students: Church members, family, friends, and more.

Space is limited, so message back with the number of guests attending and what meal you’d prefer (grilled chicken, burger).

Sponsorship Opportunity - Compassion International

For many years, our Junior High students have supported Shewanda Sanon, a student from Haiti, through the Compassion sponsorship program. With my departure in August, it is fitting for us to transfer that sponsorship to one of our Kish families until a new Youth Director is in place. Would you be interested?

Our own students have chipped in $28/month, which has assisted Shewanda with her education, food & shelter, and much more. We have seen her through 7th grade, and it would be nice for Kish to keep taking of her as she grows up! Message back for more information.

We could not be more excited for camp next week. Final Reminders for you:

NEW Form to Complete. GE has a brand new High Ropes Course and Climbing Wall that we get to break in! To partake, every camper must have a signed Release Form, attached. If you anticipate your child wanting to play on the Course/Wall, then please complete and turn in no later than Monday, July 11th. If your child is not interested, then there’s no need to complete the form.

Group Chat: I’ll be making a group chat for parents today. If don’t get the text, and want to confirm that you’re on the group chat list, just message back.

Packing:

-Not sure where to start? Download the packing list here. No oversized duffels/suitcases.

-Pack 2 cans of non-gel foam shaving cream (e.g. Barbasol). Turn it in to Michael Monday, do NOT pack it!

-Do not pack any soda or snacks including peanuts/peanut butter due to severe allergies with campers.

-EXTRA SPOT: Does your child have a sibling or friend that’s not going to GE yet? We had a spot

that just opened up, and is available at a discounted rate. Message back for more information; time is of

the essence!

-Packing for the Theme: This year’s theme, SUMMIT, is set around hiking/adventure. Students can bring costumes or props such as hiking gear, bandanas, goofy winter hats, scarves, backpacks, and even headlamps!

-No Soda this year. Students may bring water, vitamin water, or sports drinks; soda is not allowed. Students may buy soda at camp during lunch or dinner.

-Bringing Snacks? If your child is bringing snacks, please refrain from buying snacks that contain peanut butter. We have two campers attending that are extremely allergic to peanuts.

-Arrive at church: Monday, 7.11, 12:30p. We’ll be leaving by 1p.

WORKCAMP: Important Items

-EXTRA SPOT: We have an additional spot that is made available at a discounted rate! If your child knows of someone who can join us: We’d love to have them. Message back for more info.

-Bootcamp, week 3: God is already at work in Minneapolis! And he invites us to join him in serving alongside the Church, and making neighborhoods better. Week 3 of Bootcamp is all about place: Understanding, redeeming, and transforming a place in Jesus’ name. 6-7:15p this Wednesday, and snacks are provided. See you then!

-Team & Family Breakfast: July 24th

Check this out: The Deacons are graciously offering breakfast to all WorkCamp students and their families on the day we leave! Arrive at 8a, load up your van, and join us for breakfast until 8:45. All families are invited to stay for our 9a worship service as well! Message back if you and/or your child would to attend.

-T-Shirts: Shirts are $17; please pay at Bootcamp this week.

Youthworks Missions Dinner: Join us!

Wednesday August 3rd, 6:00p: Hear firsthand how God worked through our students at the Youthworks Missions Dinner! Our students will be your Table Leaders, sharing all about their trip experience through songs, testimonies, and pictures. And our Deacons will be preparing burgers and chicken on the grill! The Missions Dinner is for everyone who supported our students: Church members, family, friends, and more.

Space is limited, so message back with the number of guests attending and what meal you’d prefer (grilled chicken, burger).

Sponsorship Opportunity - Compassion International

For many years, our Junior High students have supported Shewanda Sanon, a student from Haiti, through the Compassion sponsorship program. With my departure in August, it is fitting for us to transfer that sponsorship to one of our Kish families until a new Youth Director is in place. Would you be interested?

Our own students have chipped in $28/month, which has assisted Shewanda with her education, food & shelter, and much more. We have seen her through 7th grade, and it would be nice for Kish to keep taking of her as she grows up! Message back for more information.

We’ve had a lot of updates come through lately with GE. Please read each item below!

NEW Form to Complete. The good news: GE has a brand new High Ropes Course and Climbing Wall that we get to break in! The bad news: Every camper must have a signed Release Form, attached, if they want to enjoy these new activities. If you anticipate your child wanting to play on the Course/Wall, then please complete and turn in no later than Monday, July 11th. If your child is not interested, then there’s no need to complete the form. Note, however:

1: It’s easier to fill it out now, and leave them the option to partake. When in doubt: Fill it out!

2: Campers will be turned away if they don’t have a completed form signed by their parent/guardian.

Open Spot. Does your child have a sibling or friend that’s not going to GE yet? We had a spot that just opened up, and is available at a discounted rate. Message back for more information; time is of the essence!

Packing for the Theme! This year’s theme, SUMMIT, is set around hiking/adventure. Students can bring costumes or props such as hiking gear, bandanas, goofy winter hats, scarves, backpacks, and even headlamps!

Snacks.

1: We have two campers attending GE this year that are extremely allergic to peanuts. If your child is bringing snacks, please refrain from buying snacks that contain peanuts or peanut butter. GE’s Kitchen will be doing their part, and we want to do our part in the sleeping rooms. Thank you!

2: Reminder: NO SODA this year. Spilling soda requires cleanup, the costs of which get directly taken out of our camp fund. There will be plenty of soda during lunch at dinner at camp.